The Senate on Wednesday adopted a resolution calling on the national government to ensure sufficient funding for the relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of communities affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8.
During a special session, senators approved Senate Resolution No. 447, sponsored by Sen. Joel Villanueva, which seeks to guarantee the availability of resources for long-term recovery efforts in quake-hit areas.
Villanueva said the measure goes beyond budgetary concerns, stressing the need to respond to the human toll of the disaster.
“Ang usapin po natin ngayon ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pondo. Ito po ay tungkol sa mga buhay na winasak ng lindol,” he said, adding that government assistance is critical for affected communities to recover and rebuild.
He noted that initial estimates place damage to public and private infrastructure at as high as P1.3 billion, with figures expected to rise as assessments continue.
Villanueva also recognized the efforts of responders who were first on the ground during rescue operations, but emphasized that sustained recovery would require adequate funding support.
“Heroism saves lives, but resources rebuild communities. Compassion comforts victims, but funding restores livelihoods,” he said.
The resolution received support from Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and several senators, including Francis Pangilinan, Erwin Tulfo, Raffy Tulfo, and JV Ejercito. With no objections raised, it was adopted by the chamber.
The Senate also approved Senate Resolution No. 452, expressing gratitude to frontliners and responders, including rescue teams, health workers, local government units, uniformed personnel, and volunteer groups who provided immediate assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Gatchalian, who sponsored the measure, said it was intended to formally recognize the efforts of agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other humanitarian responders who played key roles in emergency operations.
Lawmakers said the twin resolutions underscore both the need for sustained recovery funding and the importance of acknowledging those who risked their lives to deliver immediate aid to affected communities.